The rise of the samurai class in japan

Table of contents

• pg. 1 - 7: Samurai Training
• pg. 8: Samurai Job Offering 
• pg. 9: Sakura's Resume
• pg. 10-11: 10 Tips for a Samurai
• pg. 12: Extra Facts

The rise of the samurai

• Samurai were under the control of Shoguns
• They trained in the arts of war and archery
• Children were trained to harden their feelings/use weapons
• By the 14th century, warriors resembled the lord-vassal system
• The shogun now ruled with the help of daimyos

armor

• they dressed in heavy armor for battle
• they wore a colorful robe (kimono)
• baggy trousers
• shinguards to protect their legs

weapons

• bows and arrows, spears, and swords
• big curved swords - for combat 
• little swords - cutting people's heads off
• it was a privilege to wear a sword 
• it was their most prized posession

military training and fighting

• learning the skills used very long training 
• samurai practiced until they could shoot accurately without thinking
• the samurai had a unique style of battle
• they learned how to fight in almost every situation possible

mental training

• to train in self control samurai learned how to tolerate pain and suffering
• they marched on snow for long journeys barefoot
• they went for days without eating
• they held stiff postures for a long time without complaining
• to train in preparedness, samurai had to develop a 6th sense for danger

training in writing and literature

• They were expected to be students of culture
• They were expected to be fierce warriors as well
• They practiced calligraphy and poetry
• Many tools were used such as a brush, ink, and silk 
• Matsuo Basho invented new poetry called haiku

training for the tea ceremony

• The tea ceremony valued a spirit of harmony, reverence, and  calm
• It helped samurai to form political alliances with other samurai
• Each step of the ceremony was performed in its unique way

training in spiritual strength

• Amida Buddhism: a religion where people thought everyone could reach paradi
• To reach paradise you had to say Amida's name up to 70, 000 times a day
• Zen Buddhism: a religion that had many samurai 
• It emphasized effort and discipline 
• Meditation allowed members of this religion to reach enlightenment

the code of bushido and samurai values

• Samurai were very loyal to their lords
• They would die for him and avenge his death
• Ritual Suicide was the price for failing to follow the code of Bushido
• Seppuku became a complex ceremony
• They would kill themselves by putting a sword in their stomach

job offering

• If you would like to become a samurai read below
• Come to SDJA (Samurai Dojo Jewish Association) to train 
• Let's see if you have what it takes to become a fierce warrior
• For more information call 1 - (800) SAMURAI
• Or contact our email: samurai@sdja.com

Sakura's Resume

• I think that to become a samurai you need great skill an discipline.
• I understand that it is tough sometimes but you have to have fun!
• I tell myself, "Even if I may get my head chopped off, I still have fun!"
• I am always sure that the odds will be in my favor when fighting
• Even though I try to have fun I am always very serious and I work hard

Tips for a samurai

• Be loyal to your lord
• Don't loose confidence in yourself
• Remember to follow all of the rules 
• Be strong and don't give up
• Develop a 6th sense for danger

tips for a samurai continued

• Know what you're getting yourself into
• Always be prepared
• Be alert for any situation
• Train really hard
• HAVE FUN!

extra facts

• New samurai swords were tested on prisoners
• Samurai named their swords because they thought that they held a spirit 
• Darth Vader's costume was inspired by the Samurai's clothing and armor
• Samurai had to develop a 6th sense for danger
• If they disobeyed they would do ritual suicide in front of the public

the end!